{"id":8595,"date":"2025-02-19T10:14:42","date_gmt":"2025-02-19T10:14:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/?p=8595"},"modified":"2025-02-19T10:53:13","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T10:53:13","slug":"inter-miami-messi-mls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/inter-miami-messi-mls","title":{"rendered":"Inter Miami and Messi prepare to kick off their monumental MLS Season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/team\/inter-miami-54729\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Inter Miami<\/a> are preparing for a defining 2025 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/league\/mls-104\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MLS<\/a> season, with the weight of expectation heavier than ever. Following a historic 2024 campaign, which saw <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/lionel-messi-874\">Lionel Messi<\/a> take the league by storm, the club\u2019s ambitions have grown. The upcoming season promises to test not only Messi\u2019s aging legs but also the team\u2019s ability to deliver on the world stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their first match is set to take place against New York City FC on Saturday, February 24th, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Originally scheduled for an afternoon kick-off, the game was postponed due to severe weather conditions in Kansas City, which delayed Inter Miami&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/league\/concacaf-champions-cup-171\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Concacaf Champions Cup<\/a> debut <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/match\/concacaf-champions-cup-171\/inter-miami-sporting-kc-1335-54729-171#id=4311198\">against Sporting Kansas City<\/a> from Tuesday to Wednesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Lionel Messi is not keen on playing against Kansas City on Wednesday because of the weather! ?<br><br>Inter Miami will have to make do without their Argentinian superstar. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/XFzRs2u4gJ\">pic.twitter.com\/XFzRs2u4gJ<\/a><\/p>&mdash; 365Scores (@365Scores) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/365Scores\/status\/1891850768774275223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 18, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Inter Miami and Messi &#8211; the last dance? <\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-messi-effect-more-than-just-star-power\">The Messi Effect: More Than Just Star Power<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#a-changing-of-the-guard-mascherano-takes-charge\">A Changing of the Guard: Mascherano Takes Charge<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-aging-stars-one-last-dance\">The Aging Stars: One Last Dance?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#new-faces-and-rising-talent\">New Faces and Rising Talent<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#messis-growing-influence-beyond-the-pitch\">Messi\u2019s Growing Influence Beyond the Pitch<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#a-season-of-opportunity-and-uncertainty\">A Season of Opportunity and Uncertainty<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-messi-effect-more-than-just-star-power\">The Messi Effect: More Than Just Star Power<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lionel Messi\u2019s arrival in 2023 was a game-changer for MLS. It instantly elevated the league\u2019s profile, attracting global attention and a surge in ticket sales. But now, as Messi nears 38, the question remains: can the Argentine continue to carry the weight of expectation?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Last season, Messi\u2019s performances were nothing short of exceptional when available, guiding Inter Miami to a remarkable run in the Leagues Cup. However, injuries and international commitments limited his impact in the regular season, leaving Inter Miami with mixed results. Despite this, the team set an MLS record for points, underscoring their potential when Messi is in form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the 2025 season kicks off, Messi\u2019s availability will be crucial. Inter Miami will hope he can stay fit for the entirety of the season as they chase not only MLS glory but also a strong run in the FIFA Club World Cup and the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The biggest question: can Messi still be the difference-maker for Inter Miami, or will age and injuries begin to catch up with him?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-widget-type=\"predictions\" data-entity-type=\"game\" data-widget-id=\"0.2ww3r9pq1s1\" data-lang=\"en-US\" data-entity-id=\"4311198\" data-inner-links=\"scores365\" data-show-odds=\"true\" data-odds-type=\"decimal\" data-live-mode=\"true\" data-hide-powered-by=\"true\"><\/div>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/widgets.365scores.com\/main.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-changing-of-the-guard-mascherano-takes-charge\">A Changing of the Guard: Mascherano Takes Charge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Alongside Messi\u2019s continued dominance, Inter Miami faces a crucial change in the dugout. Javier Mascherano, the former Argentina and Barcelona star, steps into the managerial hot seat for his first full-time club coaching role. His appointment marks a shift in philosophy from the experienced Tata Martino, who led the team during their trophy-winning run but stepped down after the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/GettyImages-1971228292-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Inter Miami's Argentine coach Gerardo Martino stands with his Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi\" class=\"wp-image-8599\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mascherano\u2019s history with many of Miami\u2019s star players, including Messi, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/sergio-busquets-125\">Busquets<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/luis-suarez-438\">Suarez<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/jordi-alba-116\">Alba<\/a>, could be a game-changer. Having played alongside these players at Barcelona, he understands their intricacies on the pitch better than anyone. His relationship with the Fab Four gives him a unique advantage, particularly when it comes to getting the best out of them for one last run at glory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, managing a high-profile team is a different challenge than playing in one, and the pressure will be intense for Mascherano to translate his experience into tangible success. Miami has one of the most talented rosters in the league, but that doesn\u2019t guarantee success. How quickly Mascherano adapts to life as a head coach will be a major storyline in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">OFFICIAL\u2705 Javier Mascherano has been named the new head coach of Inter Miami! <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/SRCKC5nyun\">pic.twitter.com\/SRCKC5nyun<\/a><\/p>&mdash; 365Scores (@365Scores) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/365Scores\/status\/1861466326104981769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">November 26, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-aging-stars-one-last-dance\">The Aging Stars: One Last Dance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While Messi might be the headline act, his fellow veterans\u2014Luis Su\u00e1rez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba\u2014are also entering what could be their final seasons in MLS. Each of them has made a significant impact on the pitch for Miami, with Su\u00e1rez\u2019s 21 goals and 10 assists last season being a particular highlight. However, as the calendar flips to 2025, all four of these key players are another year older, with none signed beyond the 2025 season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their age is a double-edged sword: their experience is invaluable, but the physical demands of an MLS season could take a toll. Su\u00e1rez, in particular, showed signs of slowing down in 2024, while Busquets and Alba have occasionally struggled with injuries. With Messi set to turn 38 in mid-2025, the team\u2019s fortunes will depend heavily on whether these aging stars can maintain their level of play throughout an intense season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Miami, this season is a last hurrah for their golden generation. The club will have to make the most of their remaining time together before a potential overhaul, which could include both roster changes and the shift towards a new era. Will this be the year they clinch their first-ever MLS Cup? Or will Father Time have the final say?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"new-faces-and-rising-talent\">New Faces and Rising Talent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While the focus will undoubtedly remain on the veteran stars, Inter Miami\u2019s success in 2025 will also depend on the development of their younger players. Last season, the club benefitted from solid contributions from Diego G\u00f3mez and Mat\u00edas Rojas, but both players have moved on, leaving gaps in the squad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In their place, new signings have arrived, with 25-year-old winger Tadeo Allende joining on loan from Celta Vigo. Allende brings a dynamic attacking option to the team, one that can complement the stars in attack. Miami also added youth to the defense, with 23-year-old Gonzalo Luj\u00e1n and 21-year-old midfielder Telasco Segovia making the move to Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The importance of these new arrivals cannot be overstated. Mascherano\u2019s defensive focus has already been evident in pre-season, with the club looking to shore up their defensive fragility from last season. If these younger players can step up and fill important roles, it could allow the aging stars to focus on what they do best: creating and finishing chances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Benjamin Cremaschi, the 20-year-old American midfielder, is another player to watch. After an impressive 2024 season, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/team\/usa-2389\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/team\/usa-2389\">USMNT<\/a> hopeful will be looking to solidify his place as a regular starter and provide additional creativity in the midfield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GettyImages-1617551295-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates with Sergio Busquets #5 after scoring a goal in the first half during the Leagues Cup 2023 semifinals match between Inter Miami CF and Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on August 15, 2023 in Chester, Pennsylvania. \" class=\"wp-image-7287\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"messis-growing-influence-beyond-the-pitch\">Messi\u2019s Growing Influence Beyond the Pitch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While Messi\u2019s on-field influence is already undeniable, his impact off the field is growing by the day. Rumors of his potential involvement in Inter Miami\u2019s ownership structure have swirled, with the possibility of Messi becoming a part-owner when his contract expires. His recent involvement in key off-field appointments, including the hiring of Guillermo Hoyos as sporting director, has further solidified his standing within the club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hoyos, a close confidante of Messi from their time together at Barcelona, will be charged with overseeing the club\u2019s sporting operations. His hiring signals a shift in Inter Miami\u2019s approach, with the club increasingly relying on Messi\u2019s vision to shape its future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, co-owner<strong> David Beckham<\/strong>\u2019s long-standing ambition to establish a successful team in Miami will finally come to fruition this season. Inter Miami will play their final year at DRV PNK Stadium before moving into the new, purpose-built 25,000-seater stadium at Freedom Park in 2026. It will be a momentous occasion for the club, and Beckham will be hoping that this new era will be marked by major silverware.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/GettyImages-2171244914-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"MESSI is the star of Inter Miami\" class=\"wp-image-7626\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Photo by Chris ARJOON \/ AFP) (Photo by CHRIS ARJOON\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-season-of-opportunity-and-uncertainty\">A Season of Opportunity and Uncertainty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2025 season will be one of opportunity and uncertainty for Inter Miami. On paper, they have the talent to win it all, but the aging squad, the pressure on new manager Mascherano, and the ever-present injury concerns surrounding Messi make it a season filled with potential pitfalls. Miami\u2019s hopes of winning multiple trophies hinge on how well the stars can perform and how quickly the new players can gel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The team is also facing increased competition within MLS, with FC Cincinnati and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/team\/los-angeles-fc-51178\">LAFC<\/a><\/strong> making significant strides in the offseason. Cincinnati, in particular, look dangerous after a strong transfer window, while LAFC remain a perennial powerhouse in the league. Inter Miami cannot afford to rest on their laurels, as the road to MLS glory is fraught with obstacles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But for now, all eyes will be on Messi and his team as they begin their journey towards greatness. Can they make it count in what could be their final chance to capture the ultimate prize in MLS? With the weight of expectation on their shoulders, this promises to be a season that will define the legacy of both Messi and Inter Miami.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Lionel Messi is reportedly reluctant to extend his contract with Inter Miami, as he is considering a return to Barcelona and live in the city ???? <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/7YKzCElpFw\">pic.twitter.com\/7YKzCElpFw<\/a><\/p>&mdash; 365Scores (@365Scores) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/365Scores\/status\/1885427948150272464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">January 31, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>By Nicky Helfgott &#8211; <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NickyHelfgott1\"><em>NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter<\/em>)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep up with all the latest Inter Miami scores and news on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/\">365Scores website!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-widget-type=\"predictions\" data-entity-type=\"game\" data-widget-id=\"0.lpi3jogqics\" data-lang=\"en-US\" data-entity-id=\"4319161\" data-publisher-id=\"125\" data-show-odds=\"true\" data-odds-type=\"decimal\" data-hide-powered-by=\"true\">\u00a0<\/div>\r\n<p><script src=\"https:\/\/widgets.365scores.com\/main.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Inter Miami are preparing for a defining 2025 MLS season, with the weight of expectation heavier than ever. Following a historic 2024 campaign, which saw Lionel Messi take the league by storm, the club\u2019s ambitions have grown. The upcoming season promises to test not only Messi\u2019s aging legs but also the team\u2019s ability to deliver &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":8597,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2752,9],"tags":[3184,1345,3188,3185,159,3189,3183,3186,1063,3187],"class_list":["post-8595","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mls","category-soccer","tag-concacaf-champions-cup","tag-inter-miami","tag-inter-miami-vs-nycfc","tag-javier-mascherano","tag-lionel-messi","tag-major-league-soccer","tag-mls-2025","tag-mls-season-opener","tag-new-york-city-fc","tag-sporting-kansas-city"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8595","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8595"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8595\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8597"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8595"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8595"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8595"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}